Nursing school can be a real challenge. However, when you have to juggle your home life, a job, and other responsibilities, it can be even more challenging. The time you need to master your studies may make you wonder if you have taken on an impossible task. But, before you decide to throw in the towel and give it all up for something easier, consider taking some simple but effective steps to help you survive the onslaught and actually master it all. It would be wise to learn some nursing school tips which can get you through hard times.
Don’t Stray From Proven Practices
Before you get started, take the time to review your exam study guide. Study guides are full of valuable tips that can help you effectively approach your studies. This will not only help you to see what subjects you will need to master but how to prepare for the inevitable exams that are coming. If you start tackling these subjects before they are required, you can get ahead on the tasks you need to do.
Focus On Clinical Practice
As you go into the clinical phase of your program, you will be expected to apply the concepts you’ve already learned in a practical way. This will give you valuable experience in your role as a nurse. This can be intimidating and stressful to finally come face-to-face with patients but try to get as much time as possible with them. This will help you to concentrate on the big picture and not just on the task at hand.
Learn How You Learn
All of us have our own unique learning style but few ever take the time to learn what it is. When you know how your mind works and accepts information, then you can create a better and more efficient approach to your studies. Some people learn better by reading while others are more receptive if they have hands-on learning opportunities. If you discover your personal learning style, then you are better able to find ways to study that will help you to remember your lessons faster and easier, taking away much of the stress. For those who have embraced digitalization in the learning process, there are useful online classes that will provide you with additional knowledge and get you certified along the way. For instance, you can get BLS certified in under an hour and add to your qualifications while studying.
Do A Little Every Day
Rather than trying to carve out huge blocks of time for study, try breaking it up into smaller chunks. Dedicate a set amount of time to study every day rather than trying to block out hours to study on the weekend. Even increments as small as fifteen to thirty minutes will do wonders to relieve stress. You won’t feel overwhelmed and it is much easier to find fifteen minutes in a day than it is to find three or four hours.
Don’t Neglect Your Family
Your family may demand a lot of your attention. Make sure to set aside regular time to spend with family and friends and do the activities that can help you to readjust your focus. This will keep you from experiencing burnout and give you the respite you need from the fast-paced environment you get in nursing school.
Give Yourself A Reward
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to treat yourself after completing different milestones. These don’t have to be elaborate gifts that can derail your concentration, but to stay on track, you can set a goal. When you reach that goal, reward yourself with time to sit and watch your favorite TV show, or give yourself that night out on the town you need. Even something as simple as a favorite dessert may be all that is needed to refuel your spirit and get you back on task.
Think Action – Not Facts
Your mental approach to your studies can also affect you negatively. It is important to focus on what needs to be done rather than memorizing loads of facts that may seem disjointed. Think from the patient’s perspective. A patient is only interested in feeling better, they are not going to be overly focused on seemingly unrelated facts. When studying, constantly look for how the information you’re learning is going to help your patients and you will be able to keep your focus without getting distracted.
No matter how studious you are, nursing school is going to be stressful. That doesn’t mean it has to overwhelm you though. By applying these basic guidelines to help keep your life in balance, you will finish your studies and become a successful nurse.
